Economist Podcasts

Charlotte Howard, The Economist's energy and commodities editor, dives into the pressing global challenge of reducing coal usage amid rising consumption in Asia. She emphasizes the need for carbon pricing and discussions on balancing economic growth with environmental commitments in developing nations. The podcast also touches on Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's unexpected political rise in Belarus and the resilience of its people in pursuing democracy. Additionally, an innovative method for making homemade face masks using candy floss machines showcases the intersection of creativity and necessity.

Rob Gifford, an Economist reporter focused on transgender youth issues, joins Jan Petrovsky, the publication's business editor, to discuss a landmark ruling by Britain’s High Court concerning puberty blockers for children with gender dysphoria. They delve into the balance of children's rights and medical consent, spotlighting real stories like Kira Bell's. The conversation also touches on regulatory tensions faced by Chinese companies in U.S. markets and the cultural resurgence of disco polo in Poland, linking music to political dynamics.

Tim Cross, Technology Editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist and its potential repercussions on U.S.-Iran relations. He discusses how recent AI advancements, particularly in predicting protein structures, could revolutionize medical treatments and tackling diseases. The conversation also touches on Europe's effective COVID-19 lockdowns, which highlight the benefits of lighter restrictions, all weaving a narrative of science intersecting with global geopolitics.

Sophie Batter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Mark Johnson, education correspondent, dive into France's heated protests against a police-protection bill that aims to limit video recordings of police brutality. They dissect the societal unrest and the implications for police accountability. In addition, they discuss the upheaval in global education systems caused by pandemic-related exam shifts and the ongoing issue of livestock theft in South Africa, highlighting technological solutions and their impact on farmers.

Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief in Delhi, delves into the alarming erosion of democratic norms under Prime Minister Modi in India, highlighting the risk of a one-party state. Wendelin von Bredow, Europe correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on Sweden's rising gang violence, presenting a stark contrast to its peaceful image and probing into the socio-economic roots of this crisis. They also discuss how Black Friday shopping dynamics have shifted during the pandemic, revealing the lasting effects on consumer habits.

Tom Felix Jung, The Economist's Thailand correspondent, discusses the surge of youthful pro-democracy protests challenging King Mahavajira Longkorn. He explores the stringent lese-majesty laws and the growing demands for accountability within the monarchy. Jung also connects these developments to other global tensions, including unrest in Uganda sparked by a political pop star's arrest. The conversation dips into the cultural significance of Thanksgiving, tying it all together with reflections on democratic movements worldwide.

Joining the discussion are Tom Gardner, an Addis Ababa correspondent with insights into the Tigray conflict, and Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor focusing on AI in military roles. They cover the escalating Tigray crisis, where armed forces are defying the government's disarmament deadline, and the humanitarian fallout that follows. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in aerial dogfights, highlighting the surprising need for human pilots despite AI advancements. They also touch on the cultural impact and rising popularity of mixed martial arts.

Guy Scriven, the climate risk correspondent, dives into the resurgence of green venture capital, driven by consumer demand and political will, especially in the wake of Biden's climate policies. He highlights exciting investments in sustainable technologies, suggesting a vibrant future for the green economy. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom sheds light on the troubling exodus of medical professionals from Arab countries, exacerbated by the pandemic and economic challenges. Their discussions illuminate pressing global issues of innovation and healthcare challenges.

Gotti Epstein, The Economist's China affairs editor, and Sasha Nauta, public policy editor, delve into the complexities of Biden's evolving China policy, highlighting a shift from confrontation to caution. They discuss the implications for U.S.-China relations on global issues like climate change. The conversation also addresses COVID-19's disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities, emphasizing the urgent need for better healthcare access. Plus, a fascinating look at sustainable alternatives to plastic cups using sugarcane byproducts shows innovative environmental solutions!

Daniel Knowles, an international correspondent in Kabul, discusses the precarious state of the Afghan peace process amid the Taliban's growing control. He highlights the tensions arising from the U.S. troop withdrawal and its implications for stability in the region. Meanwhile, Tamsin Booth examines the booming food delivery industry, focusing on DoorDash's upcoming IPO and the pandemic's shift in consumer habits. She also addresses the ethical concerns for gig workers in this rapidly changing market.